MILLWALL’S assistant manager Joe Gallen was left feeling disappointed after referee Ian Cooper dismissed John Marquis in last night’s 2-0 win over Dartford.

The incident happened 40 minutes into the encounter when youngster Marquis was adjudged to have led with an elbow while challenging Darts defender Joe Bruce in the air.

The striker was shown a straight red, but Gallen felt things could have been handled better by the man in the middle.

“We are disappointed because we didn’t think there was that much contact, their player jumped straight back up afterwards with not much wrong,” he said.

“If the ref thought we should have taken him off the pitch, we would have done so.

“Then we would have had a chance to bring on another player and still keep it 11 versus 11, as it was a pre-season friendly after all.

“We are trying to make sure our players don’t get any injuries, yet we had to play a good hour with only 10 men, so it was not ideal really.”

The Lions had raced into a 2-0 lead before the sending off thanks to goals from Neil Harris and Gary Alexander, but overall the management team were pleased with the work out.

Gallen said: “The first goal was a good one.

“It was a very good delivery and Neil did what he has done for a very long time in coming off the back post and flicking in the header.

“We are happy to have won and not conceded but we are really waiting for the season to start, we need more games now as opposed to training.”

As the Lions prepare for their final pre-season friendly at home to Hearts on Saturday, which doubles as Neil Harris’ testimonial match, Gallen knows there is still business to be done despite the spotlight being on the veteran striker.

He said: “We will be approaching it like a proper first team game, but of course it’s Neil’s day.

“He is also preparing himself for the start of the season, so in our eyes it’s a double edged one where it’s Neil’s day but we have to get ready for the following Saturday.”

With the season only 10 days away, there were a number of notable absentee’s from the squad who faced Dartford, including recent signing Tamika Mkandawire.

However, Gallen is confident they will all be fighting fit for the visit of Hearts as the Lions look to prepare for the big kick off against Bristol City on August 7.

He said: “They will be around on Saturday.

“We could have pushed them through for the squad this evening but it was felt we shouldn’t take any risks and instead have a large squad available for Hearts.”